Heredia

Getting Here and Around

The narrow routes from San José to Heredia are notoriously clogged at almost all times; avoid them during rush hours if possible. Turn right at the west end of Paseo Colón. Follow Pan-American Highway 2 km (1 mile); take the second exit, just before the highway heads onto an overpass and just after the Hotel Irazú (on the right). To get to the center of Heredia, follow that road for 5½ km (3½ miles), being careful to note which direction traffic in the alternative middle lane is traveling, then turn left at the Universidad Nacional. Buses run between San José (300 meters east of Hospital San Juan de Dios) and Heredia every 5 to 10 minutes daily (between 5 am and 10 pm), The steady stream of buses leaving from Calle 1, Avenidas 7-9 every three to five minutes passing through Santo Domingo are sometimes a better bet during rush hour, particularly the directo buses that start after 3:30 pm; these buses also run from midnight to 3:30 am on the hour. Better still, hop aboard the new, modern train, departing San José from the vintage Atlantic Station, on the north side of the National Park, and arriving in downtown Heredia 30 minutes later. Trains run every half hour from 5:30 to 8 am, then 3:30 to 7:30 pm, and the fare is about 75¢. If you're without a car, a taxi is the best way to get to Café Britt or Barva.